By Sunny Bako

Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Honourable Kabiru Amadu (Mai Palace), has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of 22 athletes and officials from Kano State who perished in a fatal road crash while returning from the 2024 National Sports Festival held in Ogun State.

In a condolence message released on Monday, Honourable Amadu conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, the Government of Kano State, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“On behalf of the House Committee on Sports, I am deeply pained by the loss of lives in the auto crash involving young athletes, officials, and journalists on their way back from the festival in Ogun State. This is a shocking, tragic, and unfortunate incident—one that demands national mourning, not just in Kano, but across the country.”

Representing the Gusau/Tsafe Federal Constituency, Honourable Amadu described the incident as a “dark moment” for both Kano State and the nation, noting that the emotional gravity of the tragedy delayed his official reaction.

“It took me days to release this statement due to the sheer shock with which I received the devastating news. But ultimately, we belong to God, and to Him we shall return.”

The lawmaker pledged the full support of the National Assembly in ensuring the Kano State Government receives all necessary assistance to comfort and support the affected families.